Louis Tomlinson's representative clarifies weight-loss website controversy

One Direction star Louis Tomlinson's representative has spoken out to defend the singer after he was accused of promoting a weight-loss website on Twitter.com.

The Best Song Ever hitmaker took to the social media network to post a link to Bootea.com, a health company which sells teas and smoothies promoting weight-loss, on Thursday (14Nov13).

The post, which reads, "Had an amazing Bootea UK smoothie from Bootea.com this morning," sparked a backlash among health campaigners, who claimed the message could encourage impressionable youngsters to buy weight-loss products.

Lucy Russell from Britain's YoungMinds charity tells the Daily Mirror newspaper, "It's really irresponsible and short-sighted of him. Louis has such a huge audience, especially young girls. It's very silly and remiss of him and the people around him... Louis is a mentor to millions. The ones who are easily led will be thinking: 'I'll buy some of that.'"

Tomlinson's representative has now insisted the star was unaware the company was associated with weight-loss, and was not intentionally promoting the brand, saying, "Louis tweeted about the drink as he had one and enjoyed it. However, he did not realise they are associated with weight-loss and would never endorse weight-loss products."